Cruising to Hawaii is a wonderful way to visit multiple islands without packing and unpacking. Here’s everything you should know—explained simply and clearly.

1. What Types of Cruises Go to Hawaii?

There are three main types:

? Inter‑island cruises

These start and end in Honolulu, and usually last 7 nights, visiting Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. The most popular option is Norwegian’s Pride of America, which sails year-round cruisecheap.com+10The Points Guy+10Trip Venture+10.

? Round‑trip West Coast cruises

These depart from ports like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, or Vancouver. They spend about 4–5 days at sea, visit multiple Hawaiian islands, and often include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico The Points Guy.

? Repositioning cruises

These one-way trips move ships between regions (like Alaska to the South Pacific), stopping in Hawaii for 7–13 nights The Points Guy.

2. Best Cruise Lines and Ships

Here are top choices for Hawaii cruises:

·         Norwegian Cruise Line (Pride of America): The only large ship based in Honolulu, offering year-round inter‑island cruises and overnight stays on Maui and Kauai Cruise Critic+14The Points Guy+14Cruise Critic+14.

·         Princess Cruises: Offers 7–14 day island-hopping trips with added onboard Hawaiian activities and aloha dinners Cruise Critic+5Cruise Vacations+5Trip Venture+5.

·         Holland America Line: Premium 10-day round-trip West Coast itineraries focusing on culture and slow-paced relaxation Trip Venture.

·         Royal Caribbean: Quantum-class ships like Anthem bring big-ship amenities (e.g., skydiving simulators) but fewer Hawaii sailings The Times+15Mighty Travels Premium+15Royal Caribbean+15.

·         Celebrity, Carnival, Diamond Princess, and Miami-based repositioning cruises offer varied longer journeys with diverse experiences Brides+7Condé Nast Traveler+7Cruise Critic+7.

3. When Is the Best Time to Sail?

·         Shoulder seasons (May, September, October, November) have fewer people and better deals Cruise Critic.

·         Whale-watching season runs November–early May, especially near Maui Cruise Critic.

·         Peak times (December–March, summers) are busier and more expensive .

4. Planning Tips for a Smooth Trip

✅ Book extra nights in Honolulu

Start or end your cruise with a few nights in Oahu to see Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and adjust to time zones Reddit.

✅ Think about sea days

Cruises from the West Coast have 4–5 days at sea before reaching Hawaii. Inter‑island sailings avoid this .

✅ Plan shore excursions

Ports aren't always within walking distance of top sights. Book shore excursions, rent a car, or use buses/Uber The Points Guy.

✅ Budget wisely

Hawaii can be costly—shore trips, meals, national park fees add up. Consider dining on board for value .

5. Shore Fun and Onboard Life

? Shore activities

Enjoy beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, snorkeling, whale-watching, or cultural visits like hula lessons and ukulele workshops .

? Onboard Hawaiian ambiance

Princess Cruise lines offer an "Aloha Spirit" program—lei making, hula classes, Hawaiian dishes, and a luau Cruise Vacations.
Pride of America focuses on local flavors and spa relaxation Condé Nast Traveler+5NCL+5NCL+5.

6. Insider Advice

·         Choose the right cruise line based on your travel style—family-friendly, luxury, adventure, or big-ship amenities .

·         Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a camera, water bottle, light jacket, and snacks for tours Reddit.

·         Be courteous—respect fellow passengers and crew, stick to cabin etiquette like noise control and tipping Mighty Travels Premium+6Business Insider+6Reddit+6.

·         Pack smart: casual clothes, swimsuit, sunhat, comfortable shoes, and maybe a National Park Pass for volcano visits .

7. Example Itineraries

Summary

Cruises to Hawaii offer a relaxed and scenic way to island-hop. Choose a type—inter‑island, West Coast, or repositioning—that fits your schedule and budget. Best travel times are during shoulder seasons for weather, cost, and fewer crowds. Plan ahead with shore excursions, pack smart, and bring aloha spirit. You'll come home with unforgettable memories from the islands of Aloha.